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Video Tutorial: Introduction to the Structural Mechanics Module

The Structural Mechanics Module has numerous capabilities, enough for a video containing all of them to last days. This video demonstrates one of the many mechanical capabilities of COMSOL Multiphysics, by outlining a Static Linear Analysis. The chosen physics interface for this problem is Solid Mechanics, one of 13 physics interfaces in the Structural Mechanics Module. The video shows step-by-step how to set up the model of a bracket with a standard workflow (i.e. import the geometry, create global parameters and variables, designate materials, set up the physics, run the model, and process the results).

Structural Mechanics: A Static Analysis

In the above video, a bracket fixed in space by eight bolts is subjected to a load on its two arms. The load is given a magnitude and direction in which to exert its force on the bracket. The default solver shows the von Mises Stress distribution and an exaggerated deformation of the geometry. The postprocessing involves creating a volume integration to calculate the reaction forces. A parametric sweep is conducted, calculating the results for five different directions of the load. To help visualize the results, an exaggerated deformation is shown, with an arrow plot indicating the direction for each direction in the sweep. The reaction forces in the x, y, and z directions are calculated for each load angle and inserted into a 2D graph plot with ease. COMSOL’s core strength is the ability to compute multiple physics solutions at the same time. It also offers easy-to-use tools for displaying the results in an informative and aesthetically pleasing manner.

This an introduction example of the model, of which several additions are available including:

Including Initial Strain

Modeling Thermal Expansion

Adding a Rigid Connector

Adding Spring Conditions

Modeling with the Shell Physics Interface

Transient Analysis

Eigenfrequency Analysis

Prestressed Eigenfrequency Analysis

Frequency Response Analysis

Prestressed Frequency Response Analysis

A Geometric Non-linear Problem: Linear Buckling Modeling

Material Non-linearity: Elasto-plastic Material

Modeling Contact Problems

Videos for these will be produced during the next few weeks, so keep you eye out for them on the blog or in our video center. You can, however, already find the complete model documentation for all of these analyses at www.comsol.com/bracket.